The Certified Data Centre Fundamental Practitioner training  is a 3-day course designed to deliver foundation knowledge about data centre facilities infrastructure. It provides participants with global overview and knowledge on data centres which will be of advantage to the participants who are looking at joining the ranks of professionals working in the data centre, ICT, infrastructure or the mechanical and electrical (M&E) design industries. 

It will also form a solid foundation for participants who wish to pursue his/her studies either academically or to further his/her industry specialisation with our further professional certification courses on data centre design/build, operations/governance and/or standards/compliance. With the tremendous growth of data and the data centres to support it, the demand for data centre professionals will grow in tandem.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The audience for this course is anyone who wants to acquire foundation level knowledge on data centre infrastructure. This course is ideally suited for data centre new hires, internal data centre support staff, IT support staff who work in the data centre, helpdesk staff, vendors/suppliers who install/maintain data centre equipment, building maintenance staff including data centre cleaners and other supporting functions, and fresh graduates. This course is also well suited for individuals working in data centre business support functions such as sales/pre-sales, HR, Finance and business administration.

PREREQUISITES 

There is no pre-requisite for this course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. The CDCFP course will prepare participants for entry into the exciting and high-growth data centre industry. 

2. It will ensure that participants acquire the required basic knowledge to take on a wide variety of jobs in the data centre industry. 

3. It will also provide the required knowledge and skill to further their training into specialised areas on data centre design/build, operations/governance or standards/compliance.

Introduction to Data Centres

• Overview and Evolution of Data Centres

• Types of Data Centres: Definitions and Classifications

Objective: Provide a foundational understanding of what data centres are, including their role and basic functions in modern digital infrastructure.

The Role of Data Centres in Business Operations

• How Data Centres Support Business Continuity and Growth

• Strategic Importance in Today’s Digital Economy

Objective: Examine how data centres support essential business processes, facilitating efficient operations, continuity, and growth.

Data Centres Standards and Compliance

• Overview of Industry Standards

• Key Standards and Certification Bodies

• Understanding Data Centre Tier Ratings and Classifications

Objective: Introduce key regulatory and industry standards governing data centres, emphasising compliance for operational integrity and reliability.

Site Selection for Data Centres

• Critical Factors in Selecting a Data Centre Location

• Evaluating Risks and Environmental Considerations

Objective: Outline the critical factors involved in choosing an optimal location for data centres, considering environmental, logistical, and risk-related criteria.

Data Centre Facility Layout and Functions

• Key Facility Areas: Overview and Purpose

• Detailed Breakdown of Operational Zones

Objective: Describe the various physical areas within a data centre facility, detailing the purpose and function of each zone to ensure optimal operations.

Data Center Topology and Design

• Understanding Design Topologies

• Importance of Redundancy and Resilience in Tier Ratings

Objective: Introduce key design topologies used in data centers, with a focus on optimizing performance, scalability, and fault tolerance.

Power Infrastructure in Data Centres

• Utility Power and Distribution

• Transformers, Generators, and Fuel Systems

• Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

• Batteries, Panels, Cabling, and Power Distribution Units (PDU)

• Emergency and Operational Lighting Systems

Objective: Provide a comprehensive understanding of the power systems and infrastructure needed to ensure uninterrupted data centre operations.

Cooling Infrastructure and Thermal Management

• Chillers, Direct Expansion (DX) Systems, and Evaporators

• Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC)/Computer Room Air Handling (CRAH)/HVAC Systems

• Raised vs. Non-Raised Floor Design

• Hot and Cold Aisle Containment Solutions

Objective: Examine the cooling technologies and thermal management strategies necessary for regulating temperature in data centres..

ICT and Network Infrastructure in Data Centres

• Equipment Racks and Cabinet Configurations

• Network Cabling: Fibre Optic and Copper Solutions

• Cable Management: Pathways, Trays, and Structured Cabling

• TIA-606 Labelling Standards

Objective: Introduce the components and configurations of ICT and network infrastructure within data centres, essential for data transmission and connectivity.

Data Centre Security Systems

• Multi-Layered Perimeter and Physical Security Measures

• CCTV Surveillance and Monitoring

• Access Control Mechanisms

• Integrated Security Management Systems

Objective: Detail the various security measures used to protect data centres from physical threats, breaches, and unauthorised access.

Fire Protection and Safety in Data Centres

• Fire Detection, Suppression, and Prevention Systems

• Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Protocols

• Safety Regulations and Best Practices

Objective: Introduce the fire safety protocols and systems in place to protect data centres from fire risks, ensuring safe and reliable operations.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Management Systems

• Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

• Energy and Building Management Systems (EMS/BMS)

Objective: Provide an overview of the monitoring and management tools used to track, report, and optimise data center performance and energy use.

Certification Exam

Participants will take the Certified Data Centre Fundamental Practitioner exam to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of the course material.